State Police: Akpabio Issues Fresh Directive To Senators

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on members of the Senate to ensure full participation in Wednesday’s plenary session as lawmakers prepare to deliberate on a proposed constitutional amendment seeking to establish state police services across Nigeria.

According to reports, the appeal comes amid growing support for the decentralisation of the nation’s policing structure, a reform widely championed by security experts, state governors, and community stakeholders as a potential solution to the country’s persistent security challenges.

Speaking during an emergency plenary session on Tuesday, Akpabio described the State Police Bill as a significant piece of legislation with the potential to reshape Nigeria’s security framework. He emphasized the importance of broad legislative participation in constitutional amendment processes, urging senators to view the exercise as a critical national assignment.

The Senate President noted that the proposed reform would create the constitutional foundation for state-controlled police services while incorporating measures designed to prevent abuse of power. He added that the initiative would strengthen community-based security by encouraging the involvement of local governments, traditional rulers, youth groups, and other grassroots actors in policing efforts.

Akpabio argued that residents within local communities are often better equipped to identify suspicious activities and criminal elements, thereby enhancing intelligence gathering and improving responses to security threats.

In a move aimed at accelerating legislative consideration of the proposal, he directed the Senate Committee on Constitution Review to submit its report on the bill by Wednesday to enable prompt action by the chamber.

Also addressing lawmakers, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele stressed the necessity of full attendance, noting that constitutional amendments require the support of at least two-thirds of senators before they can be passed. He urged members to encourage absent colleagues to participate in the proceedings, describing the state police proposal as a national matter that transcends political affiliations, regional interests, and geopolitical considerations.

The Senate subsequently adjourned plenary until Wednesday, when lawmakers are expected to debate and vote on the constitutional amendment.

Momentum for the establishment of state police has continued to build following President Bola Tinubu’s endorsement of the proposal and the ongoing constitutional review process being undertaken by the National Assembly.

For the amendment to become law, it must secure the approval of at least two-thirds of members in both chambers of the National Assembly and receive endorsement from no fewer than 24 state Houses of Assembly before being forwarded to the President for assent.